Q&A’s, 2006
Question 1251 – PDI Pilots at SAA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Question for Written Reply
Question 1251
Mr J H van der Merwe (IFP) MP to ask Minister of Public Enterprises:
1. (a) What are the transformation targets for SA Airways in respect of pilots and (b) how many historically-disadvantaged South Africans were employed by SAA as pilots (i) in 2004, (ii) in 2005 and (iii) during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
2. Whether SAA have trained any white persons as pilots (a) in 2004, (b) in 2005 and (c) during the period 1 January 2006 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not;
3. Whether SAA have implemented a shorter and cheaper training programme for pilots; if not, when will SAA implement such a training programme; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. whether SAA's training programme for pilots comply with (a) South African and (b) international safety standards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? N1654E
Reply
1. South Africa Airways (SAA) has established the following broad transformation guidelines with regard to pilots:
Table 1: Transformation Target for SAA Pilots - as at the end of August
| 2005 Plan | 2005 Actual | 2006 Plan | 2006 Actual | 2009 Plan | |
| PDI | 7% | 8.3% | 8.8% | 8.3% | 13.5% |
| White Females | 2% | 4.5% | 4.9% | 8.3% | 6.6% |
| White Males | 90% | 87.2% | 86.3% | 86.9% | 79.9% |
| Total Headcount | 765 | 817 | 817 | 798 | 817 |
(a) The above transformation guidelines are based on a number of assumptions, including headcount, labour turnover, number of qualifying cadets, operational levels, and are reviewed annually.
(b) The table below represents the actual number of South African historically disadvantaged pilots employed over the predetermined periods:
|
AM
|
CM | IM | AF | CF | IF | WF | Total | |
| 2004 |
6
|
0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
| 2005 |
3
|
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 11 |
| 2006* |
0
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total |
9
|
0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 31 |
2. The table below represents the SAA Cadet Pilot intake of white candidates over the given period:
Table 3: Training of White Persons as Pilots - as at the end of August
| Year |
White Female
|
White Male
|
| 2004 |
5
|
2
|
| 2005 |
1
|
0
|
| 2006 |
0
|
0
|
| Total |
6
|
2
|
The reduction in the number of white males undergoing pilot training is directly related to the highly skewed current SAA pilot figures in favour of white males, which necessitates the need to focus all available training on PDI Candidates. Coupled to this is the fact that there is a large supply, or pool, of already suitably qualified white male pilots, who can be recruited directly into SAA as pilots. The 2006 Cadet Pilot Training programme is scheduled to commence on 23 October 2006, and a further 2 white females have been selected, to participate therein.
3. It must be noted that SAA does not train employees in-house to become pilots, but rather recruits already qualified pilots and thereafter trains such pilots to become competent on fleet specific aircraft. The Cadet Pilot scheme assists non-employees to train, and when competent, to qualify as a pilot. Once a cadet has successfully completed the training programme, SAA has the first option of recruiting him/her.
To date SAA has not implemented a revised shorter or cheaper training programme for pilots, and the current Cadet Pilot Training programme, which has been in operation for the past twelve years in partnership with 43 Air School, remains in place. In order to qualify as a private and thereafter commercial pilot, cadets must be declared competent in terms of the standards and requirements stipulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). 43 Air School, situated in Port Alfred, is a duly accredited institution, authorised by the SACAA to train, assess and declare cadets competent for specific pilot licenses.
4. In terms of the in-house training of SAA pilots, an IATA Operational Safety Audit was recently conducted on SAA by accredited international experts; the positive results thereof are a clear indication that all internal pilot related training, meets the required national and international standards. Additionally both Boeing and Airbus conduct annual audits on SAA Flight Operations and Training. Quote from the 2006 Boeing audit "SAA has a professional, experienced and highly motivated Flight Operations Department."
SAA is currently in the initial stages of exploring the concept of Multi-Crew pilots' licence (MCPL) which is specifically designed to meet the needs of airline operations worldwide. The need for the MCPL has been driven by the upsurge in air travel in recent years and the inability of the traditional flight training organisations to provide sufficient quantities of airline pilots and at reasonable cost. It is envisaged that Multi-Crew pilots' licence will be implemented by most airlines, once the Licensing Standards have been published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) expected later this year. A SAA feasibility study is currently at the initial phase, and amongst others still needs to ensure the participation of the relevant stakeholders, design of the curriculum and course material, alignment to national and international qualification and competency standards, and obtaining SACAA's final approval. The Multi-Crew pilots training programme will take approximately two years to successfully complete, with the main focus being on airline specific operations and flying. The programme will include a significant amount of simulator training, in areas unique to airline operations. A cadet who successfully completes the Multi-Crew pilots' programme will be competent to fill the position of first officer on either a Boeing 737 or Airbus 319 narrow body short range airliner.
Alec Erwin, MP
Minister of Public Enterprises
Portia Molefe
Director-General
